Ukraine’s parliament approved a state budget for next year on Thursday, aiming to strengthen its army and defences as Kyiv battles Russia in a 20-month-old war that has no end in sight.

Budget revenues are set at 1.77 trillion hryvnias ($48.4 billion) while spending is planned at 3.35 trillion hryvnias. Ukraine will face a huge budget deficit of about $43.58 billion in 2024, government officials said.

Next year, more than half of all Ukrainian budget spending is planned for the defence sector to fund the war effort against Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

“The priorities are clearly set in the budget. All our internal resources will go so we can withstand and win over the enemy,” Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said after the vote.

“Practically 50% of our spending – for defence and security of Ukraine. There will be more weapons and vehicles, more drones, ammunition and missiles. Every hryvnia from a taxpayer will go to the army.”

Shmyhal also said the government planned to increase minimum wages and pensions to help millions cope with the rising cost of living during the war.

Lawmakers said 276 deputies voted to support the budget, which also envisages higher spending for the education and health sectors next year.

Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said financial aid from Ukraine’s Western allies would be key to be able to cover the budget gap and pay for social and humanitarian spending.

The government had already received $35.4 billion this year and about $31 billion last year from its partners.

But getting foreign financial support next year could prove more challenging. Marchenko acknowledged that donor fatigue had grown as the war dragged on.

The government plans for the economy to grow next year, forecasting gross domestic product growth at 4.6% after a nearly 5% increase expected this year.

Last year, the Ukrainian economy shrank by nearly a third as millions of people fled the war, cities and towns were bombed, critical infrastructure damaged and supply and logistics chains severely disrupted.

With the war in its 21st month, businesses and people have adjusted to a new wartime reality. However, risks and uncertainty remain high, the government and analysts said.

Diwali Puja, or the worship rituals performed during the festival, is a sacred and elaborate tradition that holds immense significance in the hearts of millions. The puja not only celebrates the return of Lord Rama from Lanka after defeating demon king Ravana (according to Ramayana), but is also a way to pray for prosperity, good luck and good health all year long. The Diwali Puja begins with thorough cleaning and decorating of the house. A clean and pure environment is essential before beginning the rituals that have huge cultural significance for people in India.

Date and timing of Diwali 2023 puja

Diwali Puja is typically performed on the main day of the festival, which falls on the new moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. The auspicious timing is determined by the Panchang, an ancient Hindu calendar. This year, the festival will be celebrated on Sunday (Novemebr 12).

According to Drik Panchang, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Diwali 2023 will begin at 5:39 pm and continue till 7:35 pm.

How to perform Diwali Puja

The puja begins with an invocation to Lord Ganesha (according to Hindu beliefs, he is invoked before starting any auspicious activity), the remover of obstacles, seeking his blessings for a successful and obstacle-free prayer session.

The central deity of Diwali Puja is Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Devotees offer prayers and seek her blessings for financial well-being. The elders of the house recite sacred mantras and hymns while performing the puja. These chants are believed to bring divine blessings and energy into the home.

Devotees offer a variety of items to the deities, including flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense. These offerings are considered a way of showing devotion and gratitude.

The puja concludes with the singing of aartis, devotional songs that expresses reverence and gratitude to the deities.

Celebrations begin

After the Diwali puja, people prepare and light earthen lamps (diyas), which is a significant part of the festival. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and the dispelling of ignorance.

Diwali Puja is a time for families to come together, strengthening bonds, and celebrating the festival’s spiritual and cultural significance as a unit.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday slammed the BJP-led Centre claiming it uses the ED, CBI and the Income Tax Department to stop his party from coming to power in elections.

Addressing a campaign rally in the Baikunthpur constituency of Chhattisgarh, Mr Kharge also alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS have been trying to change the Constitution.

To stop them, Congress’ victory is necessary in elections to five states, including Chhattisgarh, he said.

Voting was held on Tuesday for the Mizoram elections and for the first phase of Chhattisgarh polls. Polling for the second phase in Chhattisgarh, as well as elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana are scheduled for later this month.

“This election is going to change the future of the country and it is very important as the BJP government, Modi ji and RSS have been trying to change the Constitution. They are trying to remove (provisions) which are in the interest of the poor and deprived people,” he alleged.

To stop them, it is necessary to bring the Congress to power in the five states, including Chhattisgarh, Mr Kharge said.

“Modi ji says he has done so many things and asks what the Congress has done for the country. He takes the name of Congress at least 50 times in every speech as he is scared of the Congress,” he said.

To prevent the Congress from coming to power in elections and to target its workers and leaders, the BJP-led Centre uses the ED, I-T department and CBI, he alleged.

“But we are not going to be scared. The Congress will stand firmly and Bhupesh Baghel will again become the chief minister (of Chhattisgarh). Whoever the high command wants, will come (on the top post). We will fulfil our promises like we did the last time,” he added.

“In Hyderabad, I had said our one candidate is contesting from one constituency, but the BJP has fielded three candidates (from one segment) and they are the ED, I-T and CBI,” Kharge claimed.

He alleged that the BJP divides people and makes one religion fight with another for votes.

“Modi ji says it is difficult to celebrate festivals in Chhattisgarh. Which festival is difficult to celebrate and for whom? He is saying this to instigate the people,” Mr Kharge said.

“PM Modi says his party is the party of Hindus, he says this deliberately. Are we not Hindus? the Congress leader asked.

“My name is Mallikarjun Kharge. Mallikarjun is the name of Lord Shiva. Whom are you (PM) deceiving? Why are you lying? If you keep saying this again and again, then there will be hatred in the minds of children of the country,” he said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took out the Bharat Jodo yatra against hatred, he said, adding the BJP has no answer to the march led by Gandhi.

The first phase of polling in 20 out of the total 90 seats in the Congress-ruled state was held on Tuesday.

Polling in the remaining 70 seats, including Baikunthpur, will be held on November 17.